Lockdown cleaning advice
Discussion
Howdy folks. Just want to remind people that of you have any questions or want any product advice while you’re in lockdown, just let me know. I know most are washing their cars more than normal, because they can’t drive them. I’m also still available for detailing should anyone require it before everyone starts using their cars again.
For those that don’t know me, my name is francis, but most people call me paddy. I own emerald detailing and I’m probably the most experienced Aston Martin detailer in the country, thanks in part to the good folks of this forum.
And yes, I’m still going to do the video when this is over!
For those that don’t know me, my name is francis, but most people call me paddy. I own emerald detailing and I’m probably the most experienced Aston Martin detailer in the country, thanks in part to the good folks of this forum.
And yes, I’m still going to do the video when this is over!
Edited by paddy328 on Tuesday 28th April 16:16
I split my time between Kineton (next to the factory at gaydon) and just outside ascot. However, I cover the whole of the UK.
I would never clay and Aston unless it was being polished after. Like you said, the paint is soft and you will create marring in the paintwork, no matter how careful you are. Marring, looks like holograms or greyish haze going in the direction of the claying action. In order to get rid of this, you need to ideally machine polish it, but you may be able to make it look better with something like super resin polish or a glaze of some sort.
I would never clay and Aston unless it was being polished after. Like you said, the paint is soft and you will create marring in the paintwork, no matter how careful you are. Marring, looks like holograms or greyish haze going in the direction of the claying action. In order to get rid of this, you need to ideally machine polish it, but you may be able to make it look better with something like super resin polish or a glaze of some sort.
paddy328 said:
Howdy folks. Just want to remind people that of you have any questions or want any product advice while you’re in lockdown, just let me know. I’m also still available for detailing should anyone require it before everyone starts using their cars again.
For those that don’t know me, my name is francis, but most people call me paddy. I own emerald detailing and I’m probably the most experienced Aston Martin detailer in the country, thanks in part to the good folks of this forum.
And yes, I’m still going to do the video when this is over!
Hey hey! Long time since you detailed my V12V, it's never looked so good since!For those that don’t know me, my name is francis, but most people call me paddy. I own emerald detailing and I’m probably the most experienced Aston Martin detailer in the country, thanks in part to the good folks of this forum.
And yes, I’m still going to do the video when this is over!
What do you think of autoglym as a product range? For the enthusiastic amateur who are doesn't have any desire to use a machine polisher and would not know how to anyway!
bignoise said:
Hi Paddy
What do you recommend to use on PPF? I currently use a Autoglym UHD wash followed by Gtechnig C2V3?
That’s not a bad combo. What do you recommend to use on PPF? I currently use a Autoglym UHD wash followed by Gtechnig C2V3?
Try these two out when you’ve run out of what you have.
https://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product/gyeon-q2m-p...
https://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product/gyeon-q2m-p...
If cost isn’t an issue, then this would be my choice (250ml)
https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/kamikaze-colle...
If you do get the overcoat, then you might as well order some of the ultimate finish shampoo too:
https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/uf/uf-pure-sha...
I would say to get the kamikaze shampoo, but at £20 for 250ml, it’s not worth it.
Manwhoneverwas said:
I have the V12S Black lightweight wheels and I have had them powder coated Gloss Black.
What would you recommend to keep them nice and shiny?
You’ve done a sensible thing getting them painted, as they are a pain in the arse when they are matte. They stain just looking at them. What would you recommend to keep them nice and shiny?
So, ultimately, you want to go with a dedicated wheel sealant. My personal choice would be two coats of this:
https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/kamikaze-colle...
It’s not cheap, but a little goes a long way and lasts ages. You will only need shampoo to clean them anyway, because of the ceramic brakes, so they will last. If however, that’s a bit too pricey (they often have discount codes, so worth googling), try this one instead.
https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/gtechniq/c5-al...
This is half the price of the kamikaze, but won’t last as long. Either way, they are both good.
Apply it with one of these:
https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/gtechniq/gtech...
Buy the 3 pack, just in case you drop one. Don’t forget to have some microfibre cloths handy too. Something like these:
https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/uf/uf-microfib...
JohnG1 said:
paddy328 said:
Howdy folks. Just want to remind people that of you have any questions or want any product advice while you’re in lockdown, just let me know. I’m also still available for detailing should anyone require it before everyone starts using their cars again.
For those that don’t know me, my name is francis, but most people call me paddy. I own emerald detailing and I’m probably the most experienced Aston Martin detailer in the country, thanks in part to the good folks of this forum.
And yes, I’m still going to do the video when this is over!
Hey hey! Long time since you detailed my V12V, it's never looked so good since!For those that don’t know me, my name is francis, but most people call me paddy. I own emerald detailing and I’m probably the most experienced Aston Martin detailer in the country, thanks in part to the good folks of this forum.
And yes, I’m still going to do the video when this is over!
What do you think of autoglym as a product range? For the enthusiastic amateur who are doesn't have any desire to use a machine polisher and would not know how to anyway!
I don’t rate autoglym to be honest. The standard shampoo is a bit harsh and there are better products out there. The super resin polish will make things a bit shinier, but that’s because it’s just full of chalk and fillers. Ultimately, you want a good shampoo, I couple of drying towels and some protection, which would either be in the form of a spray sealant as I mention the in the post above or a wax.
Drop me an email and I’ll send you a product guide Over of what I suggest people to use.
paddy328 said:
Still one of the best looking Aston’s I’ve had the pleasure of detailing. It’s about time you got me back over to work my magic again! Lol.
I don’t rate autoglym to be honest. The standard shampoo is a bit harsh and there are better products out there. The super resin polish will make things a bit shinier, but that’s because it’s just full of chalk and fillers. Ultimately, you want a good shampoo, I couple of drying towels and some protection, which would either be in the form of a spray sealant as I mention the in the post above or a wax.
Drop me an email and I’ll send you a product guide Over of what I suggest people to use.
I'd be Interested too. Will dm.I don’t rate autoglym to be honest. The standard shampoo is a bit harsh and there are better products out there. The super resin polish will make things a bit shinier, but that’s because it’s just full of chalk and fillers. Ultimately, you want a good shampoo, I couple of drying towels and some protection, which would either be in the form of a spray sealant as I mention the in the post above or a wax.
Drop me an email and I’ll send you a product guide Over of what I suggest people to use.
paddy328 said:
You’ve done a sensible thing getting them painted, as they are a pain in the arse when they are matte. They stain just looking at them.
So, ultimately, you want to go with a dedicated wheel sealant. My personal choice would be two coats of this:
https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/kamikaze-colle...
It’s not cheap, but a little goes a long way and lasts ages. You will only need shampoo to clean them anyway, because of the ceramic brakes, so they will last. If however, that’s a bit too pricey (they often have discount codes, so worth googling), try this one instead.
https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/gtechniq/c5-al...
This is half the price of the kamikaze, but won’t last as long. Either way, they are both good.
Apply it with one of these:
https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/gtechniq/gtech...
Buy the 3 pack, just in case you drop one. Don’t forget to have some microfibre cloths handy too. Something like these:
https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/uf/uf-microfib...
Thank you Paddy for the sound advice, yes the Satin finish on the lightweights was a pain and never looked clean.So, ultimately, you want to go with a dedicated wheel sealant. My personal choice would be two coats of this:
https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/kamikaze-colle...
It’s not cheap, but a little goes a long way and lasts ages. You will only need shampoo to clean them anyway, because of the ceramic brakes, so they will last. If however, that’s a bit too pricey (they often have discount codes, so worth googling), try this one instead.
https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/gtechniq/c5-al...
This is half the price of the kamikaze, but won’t last as long. Either way, they are both good.
Apply it with one of these:
https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/gtechniq/gtech...
Buy the 3 pack, just in case you drop one. Don’t forget to have some microfibre cloths handy too. Something like these:
https://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/uf/uf-microfib...
The Gloss Black paint does look better.
Seems there are a few people both on here and on the vantage group on Fb that just wash their cars with either plain water or fairy liquid. Please don’t do this.
There has to be soap in order to break down the dirt, transport it away from the paint easier and reduce friction between the car and whatever you’re washing it with. As for fairy liquid, this stuff will certainly clean the car, but it will strip everything off it and leave the paint dry. Not a bad idea if you plan to polish or wax it afterwards, but definitely not for washing every time.
Also, drying the car. Many are still using a chamois or even a drying blade. Firstly, use the blade only for the glass or throw it in the bin. The chamois will of course do a job, but you want whatever comes into contact with the paint to be as soft as possible and ideally, you want to try and dry the car with compressed air as much as you can before you go near it too, as any form of contact with the paint has the potential to Mark it.
And..... pressure washers are your friend. Don’t be scared of them. They are the best thing to remove lose dirt etc before you put a hand to it and even better when you use a foam lance and snow foam the car prior to rinsing it off. Just be careful of edges on ppf and keep the key about a hand span apart. They are even safe on the soft tops, which can be washed in the same way as the body, just be careful when rinsing. Use the pressure washer lance on its widest setting and stand back a bit more, so you’re as much just rinsing it as trying to blast anything off. Go from side to side and just flood the soap suds off. Get too close and you may end up making dark patterns in the fabric and that as far as I know can’t be fixed.
There has to be soap in order to break down the dirt, transport it away from the paint easier and reduce friction between the car and whatever you’re washing it with. As for fairy liquid, this stuff will certainly clean the car, but it will strip everything off it and leave the paint dry. Not a bad idea if you plan to polish or wax it afterwards, but definitely not for washing every time.
Also, drying the car. Many are still using a chamois or even a drying blade. Firstly, use the blade only for the glass or throw it in the bin. The chamois will of course do a job, but you want whatever comes into contact with the paint to be as soft as possible and ideally, you want to try and dry the car with compressed air as much as you can before you go near it too, as any form of contact with the paint has the potential to Mark it.
And..... pressure washers are your friend. Don’t be scared of them. They are the best thing to remove lose dirt etc before you put a hand to it and even better when you use a foam lance and snow foam the car prior to rinsing it off. Just be careful of edges on ppf and keep the key about a hand span apart. They are even safe on the soft tops, which can be washed in the same way as the body, just be careful when rinsing. Use the pressure washer lance on its widest setting and stand back a bit more, so you’re as much just rinsing it as trying to blast anything off. Go from side to side and just flood the soap suds off. Get too close and you may end up making dark patterns in the fabric and that as far as I know can’t be fixed.
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